Reminiscences of Rotherham
by G. Gummer, J.P.
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were met by the landlord of the local inn (which was close to the church) and the Vicar of the parish. They had a message to deliver from our club mates, who were some miles ahead. After we had partaken of light refreshment, and were preparing to continue our journey, the reverend gentleman shook hands with us and wished us a safe journey. This little incident, trivial as it is, will serve to give the cyclists of to-day some idea of how strange the riders in the seventies must have appeared to these simple folk. The journey via Gainsboro’, Spital-in-the-Street, Market Rasen, Louth and Alford occupied about twelve hours, nine of which were spent in the saddle. I suppose the journey on a modern machine would now be accomplished in less than seven hours’ riding time. We failed to overtake our friends, but arrived before the last bugle, and in time to receive a very hearty greeting from the Volunteers.
CADS ON CASTORS
From the spider bicycle we rapidly moved on to the safety machine, - with its ball bear ings, cushioned rubber tyres, and pneumatic saddle. Before purchasing this new type I rode a quadrant tricycle. which I thought was the best on the market. During one of our club runs I was challenged, by the rider of one of these safety machines, to race him up Guilthwaite Hill. This I accomplished with out getting out of the saddle or stopping the machine; whilst my opponent Mr. F. Slack failed to accomplish the task without dismounting. Just as there are to-day ignorant and reckless riders of motor cycles and drivers of motor cars who are termed 'road hogs', so had we riders whose conduct on the road secured for us the name of 'Cads on Castors', Nothing, we are told, taxes, tries, and exhausts us as mental strain. Whatever profession or calling we may follow, be it the law, the pulpit or the counting house, we need to be stalwart and hardy, and nothing I know serves better to acquire that condition than exercise and fresh air obtained during a long cycle ride.
NEW SPORTS CENTRE
About this period a strong effort was made by a few gentlemen in the town to form a company for the purpose of acquiring the whole of the land extending from the Wesleyan Chapel in Fitzwilliam road to Bethel road. Over seveal acres in extent, it was offered us on a lease of 99 years at a rental of one and a halp pennies per yard. The scheme included buildings to cost over £1000, a boundary wall, cricket pitch, football ground, bowls and tennis, and a cycling track. The capital of the company was to be £4000 in one pound shares. Alderman J. C. Morgan was the leading spirit, and Mr. Henry Aizlewood acted as secretary. Unfortunately, owing to lack of support the project had to be abandoned, and a miniature Bramall Lane was lost to the town. At one time sports and flower shows combined were held under the auspices of the Corporation, and were largely attended. Why should these not he revived and held in Clifton Park? In the Potteries the second best flower show in the country is run by a Corporation Committee. Sports and side shows help to draw huge crowds every year, and the profits are devoted to improving the roads and paths in the parks.
CRICKET
It may interest the elderly lovers of cricket to be reminded that in 1865 the Clifton Cricket Club had for its officers Geo. Roddis and C. W. Laxton (captains), hon. secretary and trea surer, Charles Skelton, and a committee of eleven, namely, C. Laycock, T. Denham, T. Roddis, E. Fawley, I. Skelton, J. Hadfield.J. Hartley, R. Holland, F. Gilling, T. Bell, and William Dickenson. A rule provided for a subscription of threepence per week and an entrance fee of five shillings. Athletic exer cises were encouraged, Thursday being kept apart for the purpose, but no member was allowed to bring jumping stands, dumb-bells, or anything of that description on any other night under a penalty of a fine of sixpence. If any two members or more wished to play a match between themselves, they had to obtain the consent of a majority of the members playing at the time, and all the
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